Furnished Apartments in Tokyo: A Guide to Short-Term Rentals
The popularity of short-term monthly rentals in Tokyo has increased over the past few years.
In recent years, with the increase in the number of foreign visitors to Japan and the spread of flexible work styles, accommodation facilities and styles that meet the needs of long-term and short-term stays in Japan have been diversifying.
Among them, monthly apartments, which are fully furnished and ready to start living immediately, are popular and attracting attention not only among foreigners staying for business, but also among digital nomads, foreign students, and tourists. In recent years, the number of short-term rentals with English support have been increasing in response to demand from foreigners.
What is a Short-Term Monthly Rental?
Sort-term rentals are apartments with furniture and appliances that can be rented for a period of one month or longer. Compared to ordinary rental housing, the greatest appeal of this type of housing is the lower initial cost and the ease with which you can start moving in with only minimal baggage.
No procedures to start using water, gas, or electricity are required, and in many cases, internet connection is available, so there are few complicated procedures to follow.
Listed below are the features and advantages of short-term rentals.
Features and Benefits of Short-Term Rentals
1. Short-term contracts are possible
Short-term rentals offer a minimum lease period of 1 month, allowing for short term rentals (e.g., 1 month ~ several months) without being bound by a long-term contract like a general lease contract. Ideal for temporary stays without the need for a yearly contract commitment.
2. Convenient with furniture and appliances
Most monthly apartments are fully equipped with furniture and appliances necessary for daily life, such as beds, tables, chairs, refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, and air conditioners. Therefore, you can live there immediately without worrying about buying, carrying, and installing furniture and appliances. Furniture and appliances are required to be removed from ordinary rental housing when you move out, and it takes time and money to dispose of them. Unless you are staying in Japan for a long period of time (several years), it is more convenient to rent an apartment with furniture and appliances.
3. Water, gas, electricity, and internet included, no setup procedures required
In many monthly apartments, utilities and internet fees are included in the rent. Utility bills are often capped at a certain amount, but water, gas, and electricity can be used without individual contracts, eliminating the need for complicated procedures to start using them. Internet access is also often provided. TV may require cable TV or an internet connection. It is recommended that you confirm the details of the contract in advance.
4. Convenient location
Many monthly apartments are located in or near central Tokyo, such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno, where transportation is convenient for commuting to work and school, and where there are many convenient facilities for shopping, dining, and other daily needs. Also, public transportation in Tokyo is very well maintained. Many of the monthly apartments are located close to the train station, so you can have easy access to Tokyo's major attractions and enjoy life in Tokyo.
5. Home-like comfort
Unlike hostels and guesthouses, monthly apartments are ideal for those who want the comforts of living at home during their stay, as they provide a living space similar to renting an ordinary apartment.
・You can cook for yourself and save on eating out costs.
・You can do your own laundry.
・They provide more spacious living spaces than the hotel.
You can shop at local stores, explore restaurants, and immerse yourself in daily life in Tokyo.
6. Variety of property types
Short-term rentals in Tokyo come in a variety of sizes, from small units (Studio, 1LDK) to larger family-sized units (2LDK or 3LDK) to cater to different needs and budgets. From compact and minimalist interiors to units with Japanese taste and modern and luxurious designs, there are a variety of options for those who are particular about interior designs.
7. Lower initial costs
Monthly apartments are more expensive than general unfurnished apartments because they are furnished, include utilities and internet fees, and are available for short-term contracts. However, the initial cost at the time of moving in can be significantly reduced.
While a standard rental property contract requires a deposit, key money, and broker's fees, monthly apartments do not require these fees, which significantly reduces the initial cost of moving in.
| Monthly Apartments | General Rental Properties | |
| Brokerage fee | None | 1 month's rent |
| Key money | None | 0~2 months’ rent |
| Furniture and appliances | Included | Purchase or lease required Removal cost must be necessary |
| Internet fee | Included in the rent | Tenant pays |
| Utilities | Included in the rent (payment required for the amount exceeding a certain amount) | Tenant pays |
| Guarantor company's guarantee fee | None Depending on the property and the period of contract, a guarantee fee may be required, so please check in advance. |
0.5 months' rent |
８．Easy move-in procedure
The move-in process is widely handled online, so you can apply and sign a contract without having to visit a real estate agency or office. Apply online and submit the required documents. If the application is approved, a fixed-term lease contract is signed, and the contract is executed. You may or may not be able to tour the apartments before moving in. Even if you cannot visit, VR images are provided, or photos are available for viewing.
9. No guarantor required
One of the major advantages of monthly apartments is that they generally do not require a guarantor at the time of contract.
For long-term rentals of one year or more, a rent guarantee by a guarantor or guarantor company is often required, which is a difficult barrier for foreigners.
10. Documents required for a monthly apartment contract
The documents to be submitted vary depending on the lessor, but in general, the following documents and certificates are required.
・For individual contracts: Copy of passport with photo, residence card, student ID, proof of income, bank balance certificate, certificate of employment, etc.
・For corporate contracts: Certified copy of registration, financial statements, etc.
Those for whom and the situation where short-term rentals are recommended
Ideal for business stays, international students
Many monthly apartments are often equipped with reliable internet access. With cafes and other work-friendly spots nearby, they are ideal for digital nomads, remote workers, and students. Some monthly apartments come with support in English and other languages for foreigners, thus can accept prospective tenants who have the problem of language barriers.
Convenient for tourists staying for more than 1 month
・Convenient for tourists staying for more than 1 month Monthly apartments are recommended for tourists who want to explore Tokyo at their own pace. A longer stay in a monthly apartment is more comfortable than staying in a hotel, allows you to be flexible with your own needs, and allows you to experience Tokyo like a local. In addition, more and more people are traveling around Japan using monthly apartments in Tokyo as a base of their activities.
Ideal for short-term use when suddenly transferred or stationed
If you are going to be transferred to Japan from overseas, we recommend that you use a serviced apartment or monthly apartment as a temporary residence that does not require the hassle of moving in and out. We recommend that you begin a serious search for an apartment unit for a long-term rental while living in a short-term rental.
How to Find a Short-Term Rentals
Click the link below to search for furnished short-term rentals with English-speaking support.
- Furnished Monthly Apartments in Tokyo
- Furnished Apartments Ideal for Short-Term Stays. English Support Available, Comfortable and Convenient Housing in Central Tokyo.
Featured Furnished Monthly Apartments
Points to note about monthly apartments
・Rent often fluctuates depending on the contract period. The longer the contract lasts, the lower the rent is.
・ In the high season, when there is a lot of demand for monthly rentals, rents are high and making reservations are difficult.
・ Excess charge may be required for utility costs depending on the usage. In addition to rent, administrative fees, cleaning fees and restoration fees when vacating may be charged. Rent must be paid in advance, or if the term is short, a lump-sum payment for the contract period is required.
・ It is necessary to use it in accordance with the rules.
>> Japanese Apartment Etiquette: Essential Rules for Expats
Until recently, short-term rentals with furniture and appliances were not as popular in Japan as in other countries. However, in recent years, the number of monthly apartments that meet global needs, has increased in response to the overheating of foreign travelers and the increase in foreigners staying for business, digital nomads, and international students. As a place for foreigners to stay in Japan, monthly apartments are a flexible option that can meet all kinds of needs, as they do not require cumbersome procedures to rent and allow them to start living immediately.
- Luxury Serviced Apartments in Tokyo
- Short and long-term stays are both ideal with this fully furnished and equipped property.
